Ilkay Gundogan speaks of 'watching Barca idols as a teenager' after joining Catalan giants

Ilkay Gundogan was presented on Monday as FC Barcelona's latest signing.

Gundogan ended his trophy-laden, seven-year stay with Manchester City by agreeing to join Barcelona on a free transfer on 26th June.

The Germany international's last act as a City player — and captain — was to lift the UEFA Champions League trophy, which completed an historic treble of major titles for the English Premier League club in the 2022/23 season.

He is heading to Spain on a two-year contract, with the option of a further year, even though Pep Guardiola wanted to keep the 32-year-old, who served as the first signing by the City manager after he took charge in 2016.

Having missed out on securing the return of Lionel Messi, Barcelona made the signing of Gundogan a priority to add some experience to a midfield already containing youngsters Pedri Gonzalez and Gavi Paez - but no longer including veteran leader Sergi Busquets, who has joined Major League Soccer side Inter Miami alongside Messi.

Barcelona have set Gundogan’s buyout clause at 400 million Euros (435 million US dollars).

The midfielder's arrival comes with debt-ridden Barcelona still struggling to meet Spanish La Liga’s financial rules.

Gundogan arrives with Xavi Hernandez's side crowned as Spanish league champions last season, but they failed for a second straight campaign to move past the group phase of the UEFA Champions League.

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